New Music: Van Duren documentary, Kris Kristofferson concert recording, Monica Taylor studio album

A must see music documentary on singer-songwriter great Van Duren as well as a historic recording featuring Kris Kristofferson and new studio album from Oklahoma-based songstress Monica Taylor are available now.

DVD Title: Waiting: The Van Duren Story (MVD Visual)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, Big Star, Todd Rundgren, music documentaries 

Tell me more: In a perfect world Van Duren would have released a dozen or more top-selling albums over the past 45 years and would have already earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But that justified path sadly eluded the Memphis singer-songwriter/guitarist-keyboardist early in his career despite playing in bands with Jody Stephens and Chris Bell (both of Big Star fame) and assistance from manager-producer Andrew Loog Oldham (who managed The Rolling Stones from 1963 to 1967). Now a newly-released documentary, Waiting: The Van Duren Story, details the compelling story of how two Australians (Greg Carey and Wade Jackson) discovered Van Duren 40 years after hearing some of his first recordings completed in the late 1970s (for the now-legendary Are You Serious? album) and decided to make a documentary film about an artist deservedly touted as "the next Paul McCartney." The wonderful documentary (which was the winner at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in 2018 and an official selection at a number of other film festivals that year) will appeal not only to those who love melodic rock and power pop, but anyone who recognizes that for someone as talented as Van Duren there is no other choice than to follow a dream. Information: waiting-vanduren.com. 

Artist: Kris Kristofferson
Title: Live at Gilley’s - Pasadena, TX: September 15, 1981 (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Michael Ubaldini, Johnny Cash 

Tell me more: Recorded at Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas on Sept. 15, 1981, Kris Kristofferson's new release is truly a celebration of the 86-year-old Brownsville, Texas native's enduring and timeless songcraft. From the raucous opener "Me And Bobby McGee," poignant "Casey's Last Ride" and poetic mandolin-adorned "The Pilgrim" to the deeply affecting "For The Good Times" and tender "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)," the freewheeling concert event is a delightful trip back to a historic outing captured when Kristofferson was at the height of his powers. Other standouts on the 15-track Live at Gilley’s - Pasadena, TX: September 15, 1981 include the sparse "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" and "Nobody Loves Anybody Anymore," the country nugget "If It's All The Same To You" and bona fide classic "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down." Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Artist: Monica Taylor
Title: Trains, Rivers & Trails (Horton Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, The Cherokee Maids & Sycamore Swing 

Tell me more: Trains, Rivers & Trails is the third solo album from country music songstress Monica Taylor. A breezy and beautiful set of 11 songs, the title boasts a mix of mostly Taylor-penned originals and several smart covers that fit snugly into the stellar set. Standouts include the lively opener "The Sound of a Train," tenderhearted reading of the 1967 Glen Campbell hit "Gentle On My Mind," uptempo Cajun-tinged take on the Jim McBride & Keith Stegall co-write "Down in Louisiana" (bolstered by some fantastic fiddle work from Luke Bulla), the stylish "Minor Key" duet where Jared Tyler's vocals are also featured on the enthralling track (credited to Woody Guthrie / Billy Bragg & Wilco), gorgeous "Just Came in to Say Goodbye (a song co-written by Taylor and Patrick Williams), and uptempo bluegrass frolic "Train Take Me Away." The stirring "Salty Tears" was written about Taylor's own great great grandmother who — only 13 — was driven along with other family members of the Cherokee People to Indian territory in present day Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears ("Her parents and sisters died along the cold trail. This is her story," Taylor notes in press notes for the album). Information: MonicaTaylorMusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts announce performers for Concert Events coming in September 2022

Check out all the details we have so far related to the highly-anticipated Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts coming in September. Below is the artwork and official media release...Robert Kinsler

Taylor Hawkins at the "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Media Release

THE TAYLOR HAWKINS TRIBUTE CONCERTS

 

FOO FIGHTERS TO BE JOINED BY

CHRIS CHANEY, STEWART COPELAND, MILEY CYRUS**, LIAM GALLAGHER*, OMAR HAKIM, JOSHUA HOMME, CHRISSIE HYNDE*, JOAN JETT**, GEDDY LEE, ALEX LIFESON, BRIAN MAY, ALANIS MORISSETTE**, MARK RONSON, GENE SIMMONS**, NIKKI SIXX**, CHAD SMITH**, LUKE SPILLER**, SUPERGRASS*, ROGER TAYLOR, RUFUS TAYLOR, JON THEODORE**, WOLFGANG VAN HALEN, BRAD WILK**, PAT WILSON** & A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY CHEVY METAL!

 

PLUS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

September 3 at Wembley Stadium (*Appearing in London Only)

September 27 at The Kia Forum (**Appearing in Los Angeles Only)

Foo Fighters Together with the Hawkins Family Present Two Global Events Celebrating the Memory & Music of a Rock Legend

 

The first wave of confirmed guests to join The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts in celebration of the life, music and love of one of modern music’s most beloved figures has been confirmed.

 

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will feature the likes of Miley Cyrus, Liam Gallagher, Joan Jett, Mark Ronson, members of Queen, The Police, Rush, Kiss, The Pretenders, Motley Crue, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Supergrass, a special appearance by Dave Chappelle (in the UK only) and Chevy Metal, plus more to be announced — playing the songs that Taylor loved and created, with and alongside his FF brothers Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee.

 

The two all-star global events in celebration of Taylor’s memory and his legacy as a global rock icon will take place September 3 at London's Wembley Stadium and September 27 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. For specific lineups — and to sign up to receive information on updates, timings, ticketing links and on sale dates — go to https://www.foofighters.com/.

 

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will benefit charities in both the UK and the US chosen by the Hawkins family. Beneficiaries and further details will be announced shortly.

Music News episode: Neil Young, Kate Bush, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Hawkins, more

Watch the new episode of "Music News" where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss some major news and music releases that caught their attention over the last week...

View the episode HERE.

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert to Take Place at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 27

Check out this media release for all the official details on the forthcoming tribute to Taylor Hawkins...Robert Kinsler

Taylor Hawkins at the "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

FOO FIGHTERS

Together with the Hawkins Family

Present

THE TAYLOR HAWKINS TRIBUTE CONCERTS

Two Global Events Celebrating the Memory & Music of a Rock Legend

 

September 3 at Wembley Stadium

September 27 at The Kia Forum

Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee will come together with the Hawkins family to celebrate the life, music and love of their husband, father, brother and bandmate with The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

 

As one of the most respected and beloved figures in modern music, Taylor’s monolithic talent and magnetic personality endeared him to millions of fans, peers, friends and fellow musical legends the world over. Millions mourned his untimely passing on March 25, with passionate and sincere tributes coming from fans as well as musicians Taylor idolized. The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will unite several of those artists, the Hawkins family and of course his Foo Fighters brothers in celebration of Taylor’s memory and his legacy as a global rock icon—his bandmates and his inspirations playing the songs that he fell in love with, and the ones he brought to life.

 

The all-star rock and roll shows will take place September 3 at London's Wembley Stadium and September 27 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

 

The lineups for each show will be announced shortly. Sign up to receive information on timings, ticketing links and on sale dates at https://www.foofighters.com/.

 

Taylor Hawkins joined Foo Fighters in 1997, first appearing with the band on the tour supporting sophomore album The Colour & The Shape. He made his recorded debut with Foo Fighters with 1999's There Is Nothing Left To Lose, playing on every subsequent FF album, including One By One, In Your Honor (the first FF album to feature him assuming lead vocal duties on his song "Cold Day In The Sun"), Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Wasting Light, Sonic Highways, Concrete & Gold (also featuring him as lead singer on "Sunday Rain") and Medicine at Midnight. As a member of Foo Fighters, Taylor was a 15-time GRAMMY Award winner and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He lived and loved music to an insatiable degree, with Foo Fighters as well as his numerous solo and side projects and collaborations.

New music: Arcade Fire, The Muffs, Rush, Bobby Cole

A new studio album from Arcade Fire and several special edition reissues are definitely worth celebrating this week.

Artist: Arcade Fire

Title: WE (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, Radiohead, U2

Tell me more: On the heels of the band's mesmerizing last-minute appearance at Weekend #1 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last month, Arcade Fire has released their sixth full-length studio album WE. Divided into two disparate sides ("I" and "WE"), the seven-track album conjures up the exhilarating spirit of the band's most ambitious albums (2007's Neon Bible and 2010's The Suburbs) while moving the Canadian heroes into the future via a terrific 40-minute ride. The impacts of the extended COVID-19 lockdown affected most of the world including Arcade Fire whose Win Butler and Régine Chassagne (the husband and wife duo at the center of the band) wrote much of the music sans their bandmates. Lyrically, WE touches on alienation, technology overload, survival, romance and parenthood. Such lofty ambition wouldn't matter if the songs didn't have the melodic sweep and overarching power heard across the disc; fortunately WE delivers in spades. The anthemic "Age of Anxiety I," burgeoning "Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)," "The Lightning I, II," majestic "Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)," Neo-electronica "Unconditional II (Race and Religion)" featuring Peter Gabriel on backing vocals and acoustic-flavored album closer "WE" are among the powerful originals on Arcade Fire's marvelous return. Information: ArcadeFire.com. 

Artist: The Muffs

Title: Really Really Happy (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Muffs, The Pandoras, Pixies

Tell me more: Nearly 18 years after its original release, an expanded and essential edition of The Muffs' 2004 album Really Really Happy will be released May 13 through Omnivore Recordings. The original album's highlights include the catchy opener "Freak Out," yearning "A Little Luxury," tuneful "Something Inside," hard-hitting "And I Go Pow," heartfelt "How I Pass The Time," the introspective closer "The Story of Me" and a parade of other great songs. The lineup of 22 bonus tracks includes 16 of Kim Shattuck's original demos for the album along with the previously unissued "My Imagination," "Just The Beginning" and "I Hate Gym." The fusion of tight melodic punk rock, melody-anchored songcraft and strong production make for a fantastic listen across the double-CD title. In addition to Shattuck (vocals, guitar, harmonica), the Muffs' lineup includes Ronnie Barnett (bass, toy piano) and Roy McDonald (drums, percussion). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Rush

Title: Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Deluxe (Mercury Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Triumph, progressive rock

Tell me more: Rush's best-known album, 1981's Moving Pictures, has been reissued in several first-rate configurations. Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Deluxe edition reviewed here is a 3-disc version featuring the 2015 remaster of the original album (available on audio CD for the first time) and the complete, unreleased Toronto concert from March 25, 1981. Also included is a booklet with new illustrations by Hugh Syme, plus liner notes by Kim Thayil, Les Claypool, Taylor Hawkins, Bill Kelliher and Neil Sanderson. It's clear that disc 1 features stellar versions of many of the rock trio's most beloved originals ("Tom Sawyer," "Red Barchetta," "YYZ," "Limelight"), and the aforementioned concert features a terrific track listing sure to please fans of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. The audio quality of the historic concert in the band's hometown of Toronto includes outstanding sounding versions of classics such as "Freewill," "Limelight," "The Trees," "YYZ," "Xanadu" and "Closer To The Heart." Information: Rush.com.  

Artist: Bobby Cole

Title: A Point Of View (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett

Tell me more: One of 1967's most legendary albums is finally available via a remastered and expanded version sure to please fans of jazz and '60s recordings. Bobby Cole's A Point Of View exceeds its legendary status thanks to the late artist's incredible talents as singer, songwriter and pianist as well as contributions from Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski and remastering from Michael Graves. Currently available on audio CD and digital, a double-LP version is slated for Fall 2022. The lovely "But It's Spring" is soaked in melancholy, Cole's vocal strengths showcased in each distinctive note of his delivery. The inspired jazzy gems that are revisited on the collection include the fleet "Heat," affecting ballad "You Could Hear a Pin Drop," soaring "A Perfect Day," evocative "Elegy For Eve" and reflective "I'm Growing Old." There a number of previously-unissued bonus tracks to discover too; the rollicking "Checkerboard Life," mournful "How The Lonely Spend Their Time," haunting "I Never Saw The Shadows," stirring "When She Was In Love With Me" and romantic "The Midnight Flower" shed abundant light on Cole's virtuosity. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Robert Kinsler

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Taylor Hawkins in February 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Watch Robert Kinsler and TJR discuss the legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins on a new episode. View the episode HERE.

Jack's 11th show, the radio station's last at Irvine Meadows, is a fitting finish

My review of Jack's 11th Show (held on Friday, September 23, 2016) was originally published on the Orange County Register Web site on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. A big thank you to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her great photos! Robert Kinsler

Ian Astbury, left and Billy Duffy of The Cult

Jack's 11th Show

With: Jane's Addiction, the Cult, Garbage, Everlast and House of Pain, Violent Femmes, Chevy Metal

Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre

When: Friday, Sept. 23

By ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anyone who went to Irvine Meadows on Friday night not knowing the legendary landmark will soon be closed is now well versed in both the fate and 35-plus-year history of the venue.

The majority of artists who performed at Jack's 11th Show offered tributes to Irvine Meadows. The fact that this and every one of Jack FM’s previous festivals had also been held at Irvine Meadows made this an especially poignant farewell.

Taylor Hawkins, of Foo Fighters
fame, joined by Stephen Perkins

The only good thing about this inevitable goodbye was how the artists rose to the occasion and turned in memorable performances that were able to solidify why live music in this scenic setting carved out into an Orange County hillside can be so special.

The day began with a special side stage performance by Chevy Metal. “Can you believe they are closing Irvine Meadows?” said singer-drummer Taylor Hawkins, who led the outfit through an eight-song set of covers. Hawkins recalled attending his first show at the amphitheater in 1982, a bill featuring a Freddie Mercury-led Queen and Billy Squier. “Let's send out the last couple of Irvine Meadows shows out in style.”

Chevy Metal’s set featured mostly faithful versions of crowd pleasing rockers, including Squier‘s “The Stroke” and Queen’s epic rocker “Tie Your Mother Down,” the band’s lesser known gem “Dragon Attack” and the David Bowie-Queen classic “Under Pressure.”

Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes.

Then the action moved to the main stage beginning just after 5:30 p.m. with a wonderful set from Violet Femmes. How great that the troupe opened things up with a fiery “Blister in the Sun” and over the course of a mere 32 minutes delivered similarly mighty takes of “Kiss Off,” “American Music,” “Gone Daddy Gone” and other infectious acoustic punk-styled songs. The trio's Oingo Boingo-meets-B-52's groundbreaking sound seems to resonate and exhibit more staying power with each passing year, as evidenced by bassist Brian Ritchie’s admission: “We were at Jack's 1st Show.”

Although Erik Francis Schrody (better known by his stage name Everlast) no longer has a commanding voice (especially during the tandem folk-rock mini set of his “Put Your Lights On” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”), a performance of House of Pain’s 1992 hit “Jump Around” got the crowd to do just that.

Shirley Manson of Garbage

For sheer artistry, the night belonged to Garbage. The band was fueled by intoxicating electronica-meets-alt rock material that was performed with both power and nuance, with Scottish singer Shirley Manson proving she remains among the most mesmerizing personalities in modern rock.

Songs spanning from Garbage’s 1995 debut to the band's latest disc Strange Little Birds afforded Manson and company to draw the audience into her world of darkness and hurt; the taut “I Think I'm Paranoid,” “#1 Crush” (with the songstress performing much of it crouched or crawling on the stage) and an ethereal “Only Happy When It Rains” provided intensity aplenty. A version of “Empty” also impressed with Manson dispelling the final line a cappella.

The Cult’s distinctive rock brand had the audience hooked much more convincingly here than when the Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy-led band opened for Guns N’ Roses at Dodger Stadium last month. As the band performed a fast-moving, hour-long set (including the riff rock AC/DC worthy “Wild Flower” and “Lil‘ Devil” as well as more sweeping material, notably “She Sells Sanctuary”), the fans around me were on their feet and even seemed to appreciate when the band veered into unknown material.

New cuts “Deeply Ordered Chaos” and “Birds of Paradise” off the troupe’s latest album Hidden City provided additional depth to the Cult outing. Hard rocking takes on “Fire Woman” and “Love Removal Machine” provided the perfect way to build things to a big finish.

Guitarist Dave Navarro, left, and Perry Farrell of
Jane's Addiction closing out Jack's 11th Show

Finishing up the night was Jane’s Addiction, whose 75-minute set allowed the Perry Farrell-led collective to perform a wide range of material. The group’s brew of hard rock (featuring tons of metal guitar work courtesy of Dave Navarro) and neo-psychedelic stylings came with a number of female dancers who performed around, amid and even overhead the band. There were blinding pyrotechnics, strong performances of material from the opener “Stop” and the band’s thrilling “Been Caught Stealing” to the closer “Jane Says” and, of course, more tributes to Irvine Meadows.

“Do we really have to shut this place down?” Farrell asked early in the band’s set. “(I've had) So many good times in here.”

Count Jack’s 11th Show as another one.

Celebration for Ray Manzarek brings together surviving members of the Doors and celebrated friends

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Feb. 13, 2016. 

Surviving Doors members drummer John Densmore
and Robby Krieger performing at "Celebration for
Ray Manzarek" event. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Celebration for Ray Manzarek
Who: Robby Krieger, John Densmore, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Rami Jaffee, Robert DeLeo, Taylor Hawkins, more
Where: The Fonda Theatre
When: Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

One of the most tragic things in the years leading up to the death of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek in May 2013 was that original drummer John Densmore didn't join forces with Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger in their "Doors of the 21st Century" or "Riders on the Storm" projects.

However, on Friday night Densmore and Krieger performed together live for the first time in more than 15 years for the aptly-titled "Celebration for Ray Manzarek" at the Fonda Theatre on Feb. 12, 2016 (which marked what would have been Manzarek's 76th birthday). Along with a number of established and up-and-coming musical pals, the special concert served to honor Manzarek while also raising money for Stand Up To Cancer.

Drummer John Densmore at "Celebration for Ray
Manzarek" event on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The three-hour event played out in two sections divided by a short intermission with musicians rotating on and off the stage with almost every song. Krieger performed on just about every offering, while Densmore (who suffers from a hearing disorder) performed on a handful of the Doors' best-known selections but left most of the drumming to Stephen Perkins (of Jane's Addiction fame) and others.

The first performance of the night was "When the Music's Over," with Gov't Mule singer-guitarist Warren Haynes' big baritone a good fit to deliver Morrison's ruminative lines. 

Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins, left, with John Densmore at the
"Celebration for Ray Manzarek" event on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who grew up in Laguna Beach, was featured on lead vocals for the next two songs, a mostly-straight forward take on "Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)" highlighted by Krieger's inspired bluesy guitar solo, and a rocking "Love Me Two Times" with Rami Jaffee conjuring up the spirit of Manzarek for his convincing keyboard solo.

Taylor Hawkins at the "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Another memorable performance that played out early featured Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong firing up the troupe for "Back Door Man."

Guitarist Robby Krieger and his son, vocalist Waylon Krieger,
perform during a "Celebration for Ray Manzarek."
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

One of the most acclaimed keyboardists of the rock era, Manzarek also earned acclaim beginning in the early 1980s for his production of four albums for the Los Angeles-based band X. So it was fitting that several members of X were on hand to celebrate their work together; singer Exene Cervenka and bassist-singer John Doe recreated their reworked take on the Doors' "Soul Kitchen" (a highlight on the band's 1980 debut album "Los Angeles") and then introduced the X original "Nausea" by explaining that Manzarek had played keyboards on that song; guitarist Brian Ray (a long-time member of Paul McCartney's band) played some powerful lead guitar on the track, which featured the distinctive off-kilter duel vocals from Doe and Cervenka. 

The performances featuring members of X began a long run of strong performances, the best sounding was the one-two punch of "Five to One" and "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" with Krieger's son Waylon Krieger sounding remarkably like Morrison on both of those tracks and proving to be an effective frontman.  

Singer Andrew Wyatt of the Swedish indie band Miike Snow delivered one of the knockouts of the night with "L.A. Woman." Despite his vocals distorting early, his jumping into the crowd and powerful solos from Robby Krieger and Jaffee made it obvious this was among the sold-out crowd's favorites of the night.

The night's final selection, "Light My Fire," brought out the event's
entire cast to honor Ray Manzarek. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Several of the Doors' most beloved gems were saved for the end of the night, including a reflective "Riders On The Storm" (featuring Doe on lead vocals), explosive "Roadhouse Blues" and night-ending "Light My Fire," the latter enhanced by Jaffee's extended keyboards and the night's full cast crowding onto stage to sing and rightfully celebrate Manzarek – and ultimately the Doors' enduring legacy – in song.

Robert Kinsler